There are many valuable hard skills that can open up an array of careers including learning to drive, learning to code, or learning first aid. There are also several more niche skills for career growth that can allow you to access some truly exciting careers.
Below are just a few examples of niche skills for career growth:
1. Sailing
Knowing how to sail a boat could unlock some truly luxurious and interesting careers. This could include becoming a private yacht captain, carrying out boat tours, starting a private fishing company, or working with marine scientists. If you love the water and find the idea of getting behind the helm of a boat exciting, consider taking a sailing course.
2. Scuba diving
Scuba diving is something people do for recreation. However, it can also be a skill that is required for several niche careers including diving instructing, marine biology, marine archaeology, and underwater construction/maintenance of rigs and bridges. If you’ve already got a PADI license, consider attending a commercial dive school to turn diving into a career.
3. Helicopter license
As a trained helicopter pilot, you could access a myriad of thrilling careers: air ambulance services, police air services, helicopter tours, and aerial news broadcasting. You’ll need to take a helicopter pilot course, which can take 6 to 12 months on average if you are flying regularly. Operating a helicopter is said to be harder than piloting a plane, and it can be more expensive – but it depends on how fast a learner you are.
Keeping a detailed pilot logbook is essential throughout your training and career, as it tracks your flight hours, skills development, and certifications. This record not only helps you meet licensing requirements but also serves as a valuable tool when pursuing professional opportunities in diverse fields like rescue operations, firefighting, or luxury charter services.
4. Drone photography
Drones are pretty much remote-controlled mini-helicopters. In recent years, there’s become a huge demand for drone photography in industries like real estate, construction, and wedding photography. You may be able to learn how to pilot a drone yourself, however, there are courses you can take to develop your niche skills for career growth.
5. Animation
Animation isn’t just a fun job, but a job with a lot of demand. Beyond kid’s cartoons and video games, animation is now commonly demanded by businesses for online video adverts and explainer videos. If you love drawing and graphics, animation could be a great sector to get into. You may be able to self-teach yourself how to use animation software, however there are also animation courses available.
6. Music Production
Music production is a skill that could have you working in a recording studio with famous musicians. However, there are also many other ways to apply music production skills. The demand for online video marketing has led to an increase in stock music production. If you’re a musician or you have a love of music, consider whether this could be a skill worth learning. There are many music production courses you can take.
7. Foreign language skills
Being able to speak a foreign language can open up so many doors – including a range of exciting travel jobs. Learning a foreign language has never been easier thanks to foreign language learning apps. You can also attend foreign language learning classes or hire a private tutor to help you develop your niche skills for career growth.